Three-dimensional contact-sensitive feature for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/112,051, filed Apr. 22, 2005 entitled, “THREE-DIMENSIONALCONTACT-SENSITIVE FEATURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/871,322, filed May30, 2001 entitled, “THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONTACT-SENSITIVE FEATURE FORELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,752 on Aug. 2,2005. Both of the aforementioned parent applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to input mechanisms for electronicdevices. In particular, the present invention relates tocontact-sensitive input features for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical input mechanisms for electronic devices and computers includebutton mechanisms and mechanical actuation switches. These inputmechanisms can be subject to failure through repeated use. They requiremultiple components that can move relative to one another, and mayrequire hinges, springs or joints that are subject to fatigue.

Another type of input mechanism is a digitizer. The digitizer can detectcontact on a surface that is typically incorporated with a display. Thedigitizer may be a component of small computing devices, such ashandheld computers, or personal digital assistants (PDAs). An assemblyof the digitizer assigns identifying voltage values for differentcontact points distributed across the digitizer's surface. This allowsthe user to distinguish a communication by positioning an externalobject on a specific position of the digitizer.

Inputs such as gestures, taps, and drags are made on the surface of thedigitizer through contact. Icons or other visual cues may be employedwith the digitizer to give a user an indication that contact with aspecific position on the digitizer will cause a processor of the deviceto perform a specific function. Digitizers are relatively planar, sothat contact points on the surface of the digitizer are positions on thesame plane. When users enter input through a digitizer, the user selectsplanar positions on the digitizer's surface for contact with theexternal object.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a prior art display module 900. Thedisplay module 900 is contact-sensitive to produce electrical signals inresponse to contact. The electrical signals are subsequently convertedto input. The display module 900 includes an exterior layer 910, aconductive layer 920, a substrate 930 and a display 940. The exteriorlayer 910 is a polyester (PET) film. The conductive layer 920 comprisesa first conductive film 922, an air gap 926 formed by spacers 945, and asecond conductive film 924. The conductive films 922, 924 are formed ofIndium Tin Oxide material, which has a paste constituency. The spacers945 are formed from glass or plastic. The substrate 930 is also formedfrom glass or plastic. The layers formed above display 940 provide adigitizer for the device. The combination of layers for the digitizer isclear to enable viewing of an image created by display 940.

Mechanical buttons are sometimes preferred for certain functions becausethey provide a better tactile feedback for the function being requestedby the input. For example, navigation buttons for scrolling a display ofa handheld computer are often mechanical buttons, because they provide abetter feel of movement being created when scrolling the display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electronic device is provided that has a contact-sensitive,three-dimensional surface feature for receiving input. The surfacefeature enables users to enter input with a tactile feel for acorresponding function. In addition, the surface feature has fewermechanically combined components, making it more resilient than otherinput mechanisms. The user can enter input easier than with moretraditional mechanical buttons. Furthermore, embodiments of theinvention are operable with fingers as well as a stylus, and may be madeto be responsive to grips rather than only distinct touches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and notby way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings. Likereference numerals are intended to refer to similar elements amongdifferent figures.

FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an electronic device includinga contact-sensitive surface feature, under an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a length of the electronic device'shousing, cut along lines A-A of FIG. 1, under an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a length of the electronic device'shousing, under another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a length of the electronic device'shousing, under another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a recess shown by line C in FIG. 2A, underan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of another type of surface feature combinationfor use with an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of another type of surface feature combinationfor use with an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of another type of surface feature combinationfor use with an electronic device, under an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a length of the electronic device'shousing, the housing including a protruding contact-sensitive surfacefeature, under another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a length of the electronic device'shousing, the housing including a surface mounted feature for enteringinput, under another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a hardware diagram of an electronic device, under anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a prior art illustration of a display module including adigitizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention describe three-dimensionalcontact-sensitive input mechanisms for electronic devices. In thefollowing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,that the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention.

A. OVERVIEW

Embodiments of the invention provide an input mechanism for anelectronic device. The input mechanism is a shaped feature combined witha contact-sensitive material. The input mechanism may be integrated witha display module or housing of the electronic device.

Under an embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is formed atleast partially from a deflectable material that generates an electricalsignal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with aportion of the electronic device to provide a shaped feature on anexterior surface of the housing and/or display module. The shapedfeature detects contact with an external object on one or more contactpoints. The contact points correspond to regions where contact isinterpreted as a defined input that is signaled for a processor of theelectronic device.

In an embodiment, the deflectable material with the shaped feature maybe an integrated or unitary function of a display module for theelectronic device. Alternatively, the deflectable material and shapedfeature can be included with the housing.

In an embodiment, the contact-sensitive feature may be unitarily formedwith a housing of the electronic device. The housing of the electronicdevice may also be combined with a display module. As used herein,unitarily formed means that the components are combined in amanufacturing process to be one component or item for the end user. Thecomponents may be combined on a molecular level in order to be unitarilyformed.

B. ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH CONTACT-SENSITIVE SURFACE FEATURE

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device 100 equipped with a displaymodule 120, under an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device100 includes a housing 110 having a front panel 112 to provide a displaysurface 122 of housing 110. One or more contact-sensitive,three-dimensional features are formed on an exterior surface of theelectronic device 100. The front panel 112 extends between a top 102 anda bottom 104, and between opposing lateral sides 105.

In an embodiment, electronic device 100 is a handheld computer, such asa PDA manufactured by Palm Inc, or a device operating a POCKET PC orWINDOWS CE operating system, manufactured by MICROSOFT. In otherembodiments, electronic device 100 includes devices such astouch-sensitive computer tablets, laptop computers, mobile phonedevices, or any other device containing processing resources.

In an embodiment, housing 110 is formed at least partially from acontact-sensitive material that generates an electrical signal inresponse to being contacted by an external object. The material isdeflectable or otherwise deformable to generate a voltage differential,causing a current to be generated as a signal.

The display module 120 may include components for detecting contacts ondisplay surface 122. As such, display module 120 may be formed from thesame contact-sensitive material used with housing 110. Alternatively,display module 120 is formed from a different type of contact sensitivematerial. Still further, housing 110 may contain display module 120,with contact-sensitive features being provided only on display surface122.

The electronic device 100 includes a plurality of surface features,provided on front panel 112 and/or display surface 122. The surfacefeatures are formed from the contact-sensitive material on the remainderof housing 110. The contact-sensitive material is shaped or molded intoa three-dimensional feature provided on a surface of housing 110.

In an embodiment, the surface features include a first recess 130 and apair of second recesses 132. Each recess 130, 132 is formed to detect acontact from an external object, such as a contact mechanism, stylus,finger or other extension. The recesses 130, 132 can be deflected bycontact to generate electrical signals that are received as input byelectronic device 100.

In one configuration, first recess 130 is positioned adjacent to displaysurface 122, between the display surface and a bottom edge 104 ofhousing 110. Second recesses 132 are shown between display surface 122and a lateral side 105 of housing 110. Each recess 130, 132 isactuatable through contact to signal a command for a processor. Therecesses 130, 132 may be pre-associated with one or more functions thatcan be performed by the processor.

In an embodiment, second recesses 132 are actuatable as switches. Thatis, the second recesses 132 may be contacted to cause one signalassertion, similar to the operation of a button. The first recess 130includes multiple contact points to enable users to create multiplesignal assertions from the same relative position. The multiple contactpoints of recess 130 allow for multiple inputs, where each input isdistinguished by the position of the external object contacting thefirst recess 130. For example, recess 130 may be contacted in a portionproximate to display surface 122 to cause an image appearing on displaysurface 122 to scroll upwards. Likewise, recess 130 may be contacted ina position distal to display surface 122 to cause an image appearing ondisplay surface 122 to scroll downwards.

FIG. 1 shows that first recess 130 may be coupled to an optional contactmechanism 140 to facilitate entering contacts. The contact mechanism 140may be coupled to recess 130 during a manufacturing step, or may beconfigured to be attachable to one or more of the recesses 130, 132 byan end user. In one embodiment, contact mechanism 140 includes a swivel144 that can be pivoted within first recess 130. The swivel 144 includesan opening 147 for an end piece 148. The end piece 148 fits into opening147 to provide an exterior contact surface for swivel 144. Swivel 144includes a bottom portion 145 that rests in recess 130. The bottomportion 145 is contoured or rounded to enable swivel 144 to rock alongan axis X and/or Y. In this way, swivel 144 can be pivoted in at leasttwo directions to generate different input signals from recess 130. Whenpivoted, swivel 144 may be directed into a contact point of recess 130,so as to cause an input signal to be signaled to the processor ofelectronic device 100.

In another implementation, contact points are provided on recess 130 sothat swivel 144 can be directed in eight directions within contactrecess 130. Each contact point may correspond to a different input. Thisallows swivel 144 and end piece 148 to be operated like amulti-directional joystick.

Portions of electronic device 100 are formed from a conductive,contact-sensitive material that is pliable into to different types ofsurface features. The contact-sensitive material may be integrated withthe housing 110 and/or display module 120. A surface feature shaped bythe contact-sensitive may be viewed as a portion of display module 120if the surface feature is formed as an integrated extension of display120, even if the surface feature is provided on a region of theelectronic device that is outside the footprint of display surface 122.The surface feature may alternatively be viewed as a portion of housing110 if the surface feature is formed on a structure that is distinctfrom display module 120. Therefore, the surface feature is formed on aregion of a layer formed from the contact-sensitive material. The layerof contact-sensitive may overlap a portion of the front panel'sfootprint.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of display module 120 of handheldcomputer 100, cut along lines A-A of FIG. 1, under an embodiment of theinvention. The display module 120 includes a digitizer pad 250 to enablethe display module to detect contact. An embodiment incorporates asurface feature on a segment of digitizer pad 250. The digitizer pad 250includes an exterior layer 222, an intermediate conductive section 224,interior layer 226, and substrate 228. The digitizer pad 250 may beincorporated to form a contact-sensitive portion of housing 110, and/orof display module 120. To this end, digitizer pad 250 may be extendedover a region that overlaps display module 120 and portions of frontpanel 112. Opposing sealing elements 229 form a boundary for theconductive portion of digitizer pad 250.

When incorporated with display module 120, digitizer pad 250 extendsover a display 230. The display 230 includes pixels or other displayelements for creating an image from a processor signal. The layers ofdisplay module 120 overlaying display 230 are clear or translucent toenable a user to view the image.

In an embodiment, an exterior layer 222 of the contact-sensitive portionis formed of a PET film. The exterior layer 222 may have a thicknessrange between 75-180 micrometers. The exterior layer 222 forms aprotective barrier for display module 120, while providing displaysurface 122 as a smooth area for receiving contact by a stylus tip orother instrument. In an embodiment, segments 117 of front panel 112 areprovided over regions of digitizer pad 250 where contact-sensitive inputis not wanted, corresponding to where sealing elements 229 are located.

The conductive section 224 includes a first conductive layer 221, an airgap 223 and a second conductive layer 227. The first and secondconductive layers 221 and 227 are formed of a material having a propertyof generating an electrical signal when made to contact one another. Aplurality of spacers 225 define air gap 223. The first conductive layer221 may be deflected into air gap 223 to make contact with secondconductive layer 227. When first conductive layer 221 is made to contactsecond conductive layer 227, a signal is generated for the processor ofelectronic device 100. The signal may be differentiable to indicate aposition where the first conductive layer 221 is made to contact thesecond conductive layer 227.

In an embodiment, the conductive layers 221 and 227 are each formed by aPET layer combined with a conductive paste. The conductive paste isclear or translucent, and can be formed into a three-dimensional shapeduring a manufacturing process. At least the first conductive layer 221is deformable to extend across air gap 223 and make contact with secondconductive layer 227, resulting in a voltage signal that is laterinterpreted as processor signals. Opposing sealing components 229 form aboundary for conductive section 224. The spacers 225 may be formed fromglass or clear plastic. In one implementation, the conductive paste forconductive layers 221 and 227 is a clear paste commercially availableunder the trade name ELECTRODAG, manufactured by ACHESON. This materialalso has the property of being pliable for creating shapes and otherfeatures. NISSHA of Japan manufactures a film product for conductivelayers 221 and 227, using ELECTRODAG.

A thickness of conductive section 224 for each conductive layer 221 and227 ranges between 150-220 micrometers, and preferably at about 180-200micrometers. The thickness for air gap 223 may range between 200-400micrometers, and corresponds to a diameter of spacers 225.

As an alternative, conductive section 224 may be formed of Indium TinOxide. The spacer balls 225 may be distributed within conductive section224 to create a support structure for a three-dimensional feature.

The interior layer 226 is optional. The interior layer 226 may be formedfrom a PET material similar to exterior layer 222. The conductivesection 224 can generate a differentiable voltage signal for substrate228 when first conductive layer 221 is made to contact second conductivelayer 227. The substrate 228 includes traces and other electroniccontacts that signal voltage differentials generated from conductivesection 224 to a component such as an analog-digital converter. The ADconverter converts the voltage differential signal to a digital formatfor the processor of the electronic device.

In an embodiment, a footprint of display 230 is smaller than a footprintof the other layers of display module 120. As described with FIG. 1, theconductive section 224 of display module 120 may extend across amajority of front panel 112 (FIG. 1).

The surface feature creates a variable thickness in digitizer pad 250.This may correspond to a region of housing 110 and/or display module120. When the surface feature is employed on front panel 112 (or otherhousing surface), the front panel 112 may include impression or shape ofvariable thickness corresponding to the surface feature. The exteriorlayer 222 one or more contact points for digitizer 250.

In one embodiment, the layers forming digitizer pad 250 are contoured orshaped with the impression on the exterior surface. FIG. 2A shows thatfirst conductive layer 221, second conductive layer 227, and interiorlayer 226 may be contoured or indented inward (or outward). Thesubstrate 228 may also be contoured. Therefore, multiple layers of thecontact-sensitive portion, including first conductive layer 221 andsecond conductive layer 227, are contoured to match the shape of recess130.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment where only the exterior layer 222 andthe first conductive layer 221 are contoured to provide recess 130. Thesecond conductive layer 227 is planar with substrate 228. The air gap223 therefore narrows between the first and second conductive layers 221and 227. The narrow region of air gap 223 may be used to provide afeature that is more sensitive to contact.

In an embodiment shown by FIGS. 2A and 2B, recess 130 is formed on aportion of display module 120 that extends beyond the footprint ofdisplay 230. The recess 130 may be formed to appear as either a portionof housing 110 or as a feature of display module 120.

FIG. 2C illustrates another configuration where recess 130 is formed ona portion of front panel 112 separated from display surface 122 throughsurface housing segments 117. In this configuration, recess 130 forms aportion of the housing 110 (FIG. 1) for electronic device 100. A rigidlayer such as provided by housing segments 117 precludes firstconductive layer 221 from being deformed to make contact with secondconductive layer 227.

Alternatively, the front panel 112 may include recess 130 and beisotropic with display module 120, so that the front panel and displaysurface 122 are relatively seamless. The spacers 245 of air gap 223 maybe configured to preclude first conductive layer 221 from contactingsecond conductive layer 227 in that localized region. Thus, the contactrequired for entering input through the digitizer portion of the housingmay be localized to the region of recess 130.

In another embodiment, recess 130 forms a portion of the display surface122 (FIG. 1) that is inoperative. Still further, another embodiment mayprovide that recess 130 is formed onto an active portion of displaysurface 122, within the footprint of display 230.

C. CONFIGURATIONS AND MECHANISMS FOR CONTACT-SENSITIVE SURFACE FEATURE

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of recess 130, under an embodiment of theinvention. The recess 130 is shaped to be coupled with contact mechanism140 (FIG. 1). The exterior layer 222, first conductive layer 221, secondconductive layer 227, and interior layer 226 are all contoured to definea shape for recess 130. The substrate 228 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) may also beshaped for recess 130. The first and second conductive layers 221 and227 are formed from a pliable material that can be shaped to definerecess 130, or another feature. One or more contact points may beincluded on recess 130 to define where first conductive layer 221 may becombined with second conductive layer 227 to signal the processor of theelectronic device 100.

According to embodiment, a first contact point 232 is disposed towardsbottom 104 of housing 110 (FIG. 1), and a second contact point 234 isdisposed towards top 102 of housing 110 (FIG. 1). Each contact point232, 234 is a region or segment of the shaped feature aligned orotherwise coupled to an electrical lead for detecting a voltagedifferential generated in that region from contact. Additional contactpoints may be similarly provided on recess 130. The swivel 144 ofcontact mechanism 140 pivots within recess 130 to make contact withcontact points 232 and 234. Alternatively, other external objects suchas stylus tips and fingers may be used to make contact with contactpoints 232 and 234.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment where a gel cap 330 is positionedwithin recess 130 to facilitate a user in actuating the contact points232, 234. The gel cap 330 is fixed to recess 130 at bottom position 335.Adhesives or other fasteners may be used to fix gel cap 330. The masswithin gel cap 330 can be moved within recess 130 through contact. Whenmoved, the shape of gel cap 330 can be deformed to apply sufficientpressure for effectuating a contact with contact points 232 and 234.Examples of materials that may be used for gel cap 330 includeelastomers and foam.

Among advantages provided by gel cap 330, users can more readily usefingers to actuate contact points 232 and 234. The gel cap 330 has atactile feedback that allows users to make incremental adjustments tothe position of the gel cap's mass within recess 130. The gel cap 330can be gripped with a sustained contact and moved to contact points 232,234 as desired. Furthermore, the motion required by the user is lateral,to enable contact points 232 and 234 of recess 130 to be actuated when,for example, the user's arm is extended while placing a thumb on the gelcap 330 to enter input.

FIG. 5 illustrates a gel filler 420 combined with a moveable surface 430on recess 130. The gel filler 420 is formed from a sealed gelled massthat is fixed to recess 130 at bottom position 335. The moveable surface430 is mounted over the gel filler 420. The moveable surface 430 may befixed to an exterior surface 422 of gel filler 420. The mass of the gelfiller 420 may be moved within recess 130 when moveable surface 430 isdirected in one direction or another. The moveable surface 430 is movedto displace the interior mass of gel filler 420, so as to apply pressureor cause contact for actuating contact points 232 and 234.

FIG. 6 illustrates a moveable surface 530 mounted over gel filler 420,under another embodiment of the invention. The moveable surface 530includes an extension 532 extending from a base 535. The extension 532facilitates finger contact by a user to displace mass within gel fill420, so as to enable base 535 to make contact with contact points 232and 234.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment illustrating a contact-sensitivesurface feature shaped as a protrusion 620. The protrusion 620 mayinclude multiple contact points 622, 624. The contact points 622, 624may be positioned to indicate a function to the user. For example, firstcontact point 622 may direct the contact towards the display surface 122(FIG. 1) of electronic device 100 to indicate an upward navigation orscroll for the display surface 122. Likewise, a second contact point 624may direct away from display surface 122 to indicate navigation orscrolling in an opposite direction.

Shapes other than recesses and protrusions illustrated by FIGS. 1-7 areunder different embodiments of the invention. The conductive section 224may be formed into a variety of shapes to create an input mechanism thatfacilitates use of electronic device 100.

D. OTHER EMBODIMENTS

While other embodiments described herein provide for a shapedcontact-sensitive feature, another embodiment may incorporatethree-dimensional contact-sensitive effect on a surface of the housing110 for the electronic device 100. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating a surface mounted gel volume 730 on display surface 722,formed as an exterior to a first layer 710. The first layer 710 issubstantially planar, and forms a portion of a contact-sensitive displaymodule 720. The gel volume 730 may be fixed to the surface of frontpanel 112. A moveable component 735 is mounted over the gel volume 730.The moveable component 735 can be directed to displace the interior massof gel volume 730 so as to cause contact with one or more contact points722 on the underside of the gel volume 730. For example, the combinationof moveable component 735 on gel volume 730 can be operated similar to abutton if moveable component 725 is directed towards surface 710.

Alternatively, the combination of the moveable component 735 and gelvolume 730 can be operated as a navigation or swivel input mechanism.This may be accomplished by distributing a plurality of contact pointson surface 710 in position to be contacted or pressured by movement ofmoveable component 735.

Structures similar to input mechanisms such as described with recesses130 and 132 (FIG. 1) may alternatively be employed as sensor mechanisms.In one embodiment, housing 110 (FIG. 1) may be lined with a layer formedfrom contact-sensitive material, such as ELECTRODAG. At certain regionson housing 110, the contact-sensitive lining may be made to act assensors that detect contact by a user's hand. The electronic device 100may be configured based on the sensors detecting the hand or othercomponent. As an example, sensors on a backside of housing 110 maydetect whether a user is employing a left hand or right hand to hold theelectronic device. The operations of the electronic device 100 may thenbe configured for left-handed or right-handed users, as detected by thesensors.

E. HARDWARE COMPONENTS

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of electronic device 100, including componentsfor receiving input from the contact-sensitive surface or feature shownwith FIGS. 1-8. According to an embodiment, electronic device 100includes a processor 840 coupled to a first memory 844 and a secondmemory 846. The processor 840 is coupled to a display driver 822. Theprocessor 840 combines with display driver 822 to process and signaldata for presentation on a module display 820. A digitizer 830 iscoupled to processor 840 via an analog-digital (AD) converter 832. TheAD converter 832 is coupled to substrate 228 (FIG. 2) to receive voltagedifferential signals generated through deflection of conductive section224 (FIG. 2). In an embodiment, AD converter 832 includes first channel833 and second channel 837 to receive voltage differential signals andgenerate a corresponding digital signal for processor 840.

The electronic device 100 may include one or more expansion slots. In anembodiment shown, a first peripheral port 802 enables one or more typesof accessory devices to be connected to processor 840. In addition,electronic device 100 may include a wireless peripheral port 804 thatenables information to be communicated to processor 840 from an externalsource. The wireless peripheral port 804 forwards incomingcommunications to an amplifier 806 for processor 840. A second processor808 intercepts communications incoming to and/or outgoing from wirelessperipheral port 804 for purpose of facilitating conversion of datasignals between formats and protocols of wireless communications, andthose that can be processed by processor 840.

The display module 820 cooperates with display driver 822 to displayimages on display surface 822. The first memory 844 may be non-volatile.The processor 840 combines with display driver 822 to present the datain a paginated format on display module 820.

F. CONCLUSION

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

1. An electronic device comprising: a processor; a housing having an exterior surface; and an input area provided on the exterior surface of the housing and formed at least partially from a contact-sensitive material, the contact-sensitive material being integrated on the surface of the housing so that the input area forms a shaped feature on the surface of the housing, the shaped feature being deflectable to cause the contact-sensitive material to generate an electrical signal that is communicatable to the processor as an input.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitive material detects a position of the external object contacting the shaped feature, the position corresponding to a function performed by the processor in response to being signaled the input.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the input to the processor causes the processor to implement a configuration for an image provided on the input area.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the shaped feature includes a recess accessible from the exterior surface of the electronic display.
 5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the one or more contact points include a first contact point positioned to identify an input for scrolling the image on the input area in a first direction.
 6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the one or more contact points include a second contact point positioned to identify an input for scrolling the image on the input area in a second direction.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the contact-sensitive material comprises a conductive paste.
 8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more contact points include a first contact point positioned to identify a selection entered from a user of the electronic device.
 9. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising a cap positioned within the recess, the cap being moveable by the external object to contact the one or more contact points.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, further comprising a gel volume positioned within the recess between the cap and the one or more contact points.
 11. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising a gel volume positioned within the recess to be intermediate to the external object contacting the one or more contact points.
 12. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a display having a display surface formed on the exterior surface of the electronic device, wherein at least a portion of the input area overlays or corresponds to the display to detect contact made on the display surface.
 13. An electronic device comprising: a processor; and a housing formed; a first material unitarily formed on a surface of the housing to include a characteristic of generating an electrical signal in response to a contact by an external object, the first material being formed to provide a shaped feature on an exterior surface of the housing, the shaped feature including one or more contact points to detect contact from the external object, the first material signaling an input to the processor corresponding to the external object contacting the one or more contact points.
 14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the housing detects a position of the external object contacting the shaped feature, the position corresponding to a function performed by the processor in response to being signaled the input.
 15. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the shaped feature includes a recess accessible from the exterior surface of the housing. 